Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Anxious Masuka has revealed what is causing the current surge in loadshedding across Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe is experiencing significant power cuts due to reduced electricity generation at the Hwange Power Station. State-owned ZESA Holdings has been forced to implement daily blackouts lasting up to 15 hours in some regions, affecting both households and businesses.
Also Read: ZESA Speaks On Crippling Power Cuts: Zimbabwe Currently Producing Only 14% Electricity
Shortfall in Electricity Generation
The Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings, is struggling to meet the country’s electricity demand. At peak times, Zimbabwe requires at least 2,200 megawatts (MW) of electricity. However, current generation levels are below 1,300 MW. This shortfall has led to extensive load shedding across the nation.
Addressing the media during a post-Cabinet briefing in Harare, Minister Anxious Masuka revealed that the surge in loadshedding is due to Hwange power station outages.
“In the past week or so we have had an increase in power cuts, but that is due to depressed generation because of the outages at Hwange,” Masuka stated.
He noted that efforts are being made to address the issue, with two units at Hwange expected to contribute to the grid soon.
“We were promised that two units will be coming on board, and the Minister of Energy and Power Development presented today that most likely those two units are already feeding into the grid,” he added.
Current Power Supply and Demand
According to Minister Masuka, current power generation stands at approximately 1,400 MW per day, supplemented by electricity imports. Despite these efforts, the supply remains insufficient to meet the daily maximum demand of 1,825 MW.
“We are currently somewhere between 1,500 MW-1,600 MW against a maximum demand per day of 1,825 MW as presented by the Minister of Energy and Power Development,” he explained.
Public Frustration on Social Media
The prolonged power cuts have sparked frustration among Zimbabweans, who have taken to social media to voice their concerns. The lengthy blackouts are disrupting daily activities and impacting businesses, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.
Here are some of the reactions;
@hatiperi_wacho;
Ndambozama kunyarara but using $20 everyday to buy diesel so we can operate during the day using generator is not a joke mmm. Pa Zesa hapasi pave kubhaizika here apa fam ? 😟😥
@evans_chikukwa;
Haa Maone💔…in Greendale kuseri kweSpar Letombo anoenda everyday achidzoka kuma 10pm or 11pm obva aenda hawo kumato 5am.
@dysonchivasa;
The way they are always disappointing us ka hameno havo shuwa
@andrea_hoxbucks;
Forget about the 5am Club
ZESA has made everyone a defacto member of the 3.30am Club
@OnsonMash;
It’s killing us as small businesses.
The cost is way too much. Apa during election tayinyeperwa kunzi hwange power station yadirwa sugar
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